(a) whether several children aged between 5 and 14 do not attend primary schools even today in various parts of the country particularly in the rural areas;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) the schemes being formulated by the Government to encourage children to attend the primary schools;

(d) the targets fixed for the cent per cent enrolment of boys and girls in the country; and

(e) the effective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer:

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) & (b): As per an independent sample survey to assess the number of Out of School Children commissioned by the Government of India, in 2009 there were 81.5 lakh children out of school. By 2012-13, the States/UTs estimated about 30 lakh children as still out of school.

(c) to (e): In order to enroll all the children in the 6-14 years age group, the Government of India, through the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), has sanctioned 2.14 lakh Primary Schools and 1.76 lakh Upper Primary Schools upto 2012-13, to create more accessible neighbourhood schools. There is also a provision for residential and non-residential special training centers for Out of School Children so that they can be mainstreamed into regular schools. The SSA has also sanctioned 438 residential schools/hostels for urban deprived children and for children living in sparsely populated areas. The Government also provides for free text-books, uniforms (for girls, SC, ST & BPL children) and the mid-day meal programme at the elementary education stage.